While a good portion of the Boxing world is talking about a 5th bout between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez, the Filipino legend appears to be less interested in the fight right now and more interested in his political career. According to a March 8 report by Tempo.com.ph, Pacquiao made the following comments about the fight and his current plans:
“September is the right date to fight again but there’s been no talks regarding the fight. Nothing’s been finalized. My concentration is on the May elections.”
However, just because Manny is concentrating on the May elections, doesn't mean he's let himself "go" physically. Manny remains in good shape due to his love for basketball. Pacquiao declared "I am in shape.I’ve been playing basketball almost non-stop at night.”
Manny's commitment to his native country is commendable. However, there are many pundits who believe that his political career has hurt his boxing career. In his last two fights, Pacquiao wasn't the same fighter we've grown accustomed to seeing over the last 5 to 6 years. In fact, he looked a step slower and less aggressive.
Yet, nobody thought Manny would get knocked out so viciously as he did in his December fight against Marquez. After the fight, many boxing fans and pundits were calling for Manny's retirement. The Pacquiao faithful want revenge against Marquez. But, the sport of boxing needs fresh and exciting fights, not 5th encounters.
Marquez has other options and there's no guarantee that he will take a 5th bout against Manny right now. However, Pacquiao's promoter Bob Arum appears to be all-in on getting Manny this fight. Perhaps, Pacquiao should really reconsider his boxing career after the May elections are over.
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